DIY Zen Garden

When I first came to Free People, I remember falling in love with the giant zen garden that was in the lobby. It was filled with crochet-covered rocks and tiny little trinkets, and FP girls would draw all different designs in the sand to help calm and relax their minds. Zen gardens are beautiful to look at, and they help you to stay in the moment as you arrange and re-arrange their contents. I love the idea of keeping one at my desk to use whenever I need to regroup my thoughts or zone out for a moment. Here’s how to make one of your own.

Materials:

Zen garden materials

A shallow bowl (I used a glass one), fine sand or gravel, pebbles, paint, crochet doileys, and any other trinkets you desire.
Directions:

There’s no right or wrong way to construct a zen garden. Just fill your bowl with sand or rocks and arrange objects as you please!

Painted rocks

I painted a few rocks with nail polish and puff paint, and wrapped another in crochet.

Crochet rock

I also constructed a little wooden rake out of coffee stirrers – I’m going to use this to make different designs in the sand!

Mini rake

DIY zen garden

I’m so happy with how this little creation turned out. It was so much fun to do. What an excellent gift this would make, as well!!

DIY mini zen garden

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10 years ago

This is absolutely adorable! But where can I find the little glass bowl and a small amount of fine sand?

10 years ago

Oh my goodness. This is so lovely! I would seriously love to make one of these. So relaxing! And it looks so beautiful!

xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

10 years ago

ADORABLE! and so simple! I can’t wait to do this in my new studio… gonna play with colored sand :)

<3 dani
http://blog.shopdisowned.com

10 years ago

I love this, and can’t wait to make one! What an awesome idea!

Lindsey
10 years ago

I have one already. It’s called “Cat LItterbox”

9 years ago

How something that simple cant be so beautiful! I’m definitely going to make one! It would be a stunning decoration for my living room!

9 years ago

WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for diy ideas

8 years ago

I love Mini Zen Gardens! They’re relaxing, calming, and soothing. They make a great accent piece for a coffee table, desk, or countertop. They are fantastic gifts for friends, co-workers, or anyone who could use a little relaxation during their day. They’re fun to play with, attention grabbing, and stress-relieving. And they make for a great DIY because they can be easily personalized to fit your style. You can really add whatever you want to your garden. – See more at: http://paintspirationart.com/diy-make-mini-zen-garden-tutorial/#sthash.05JOQZA8.dpuf

Jill Sullivan-Bennin
7 years ago

I am making one for my high school library, I think it helps students to have a place where they can take a bit of a break. High school and junior high are stressful, so hopefully this will help. I am planning on using a wood box or tray, just so it won’t shatter if it gets dropped. I like the look of yours, thanks for the ideas!

6 years ago

bolg is written so well and according to me gifting a zen garden can be a stress buster for the person you are giving to thanks for sharing our views http://www.giftyart.com